Zimbabwe Cholera Epidemic Adds 1,550 Cases, 104 Deaths In 24 Hours

The count of fatalities from the cholera epidemic that has been ravaging Zimbabwe for several months rose by 104 to a total of 2,201, the World Health Organization said Thursday citing data collected through Jan. 14, with the total of reported cases at 41,986.

The WHO said 1,550 cases and 104 deaths were added over 24 hours.

Large numbers of new cases were reported in a number of locations: 501 in Bikita, Masvingo province, 262 in Makonde and 142 in Kadoma, both in Mashonaland West, and a combined 170 in the districts of Gokwe North and South, in Midlands province.

Health Secretary Henry Madzorere of the Movement for Democratic Change formation headed by Morgan Tsvangirai said the surge in new cases in Kadoma reflects residential overcrowding, sewage contamination and chronic shortages of clean drinking water.